Around 50 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu were reportedly stranded in Nepal on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, after a flash flood and landslide disrupted their journey. The incident happened early in the morning, creating dangerous conditions along the route.
The Tamil Nadu government has started rescue efforts after receiving information about the situation. Officials are working with authorities in Nepal to find the stranded pilgrims and make sure they are safe.
According to officials, the pilgrims were travelling in three vehicles. One group managed to reach an Armed Police Force outpost near Timure, which is around 150 km north of Kathmandu. They took shelter at the outpost after the landslide blocked the route.
The pilgrims at the outpost are from different parts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Puducherry, Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruchi. Two pilgrims from Maharashtra also joined the group and took shelter at the same location.
The landslide reportedly occurred at around 8 a.m. after heavy rain and flash flooding affected the area. The sudden change in weather made the roads dangerous and disrupted the movement of vehicles.
One group of pilgrims was able to move to a nearby hilltop and find a safer place. However, authorities are still trying to get clear information about the people travelling in the other two vehicles.
Rescue teams have been working in the affected area to locate those who may still be stranded or missing. The difficult terrain and damaged roads are making the rescue operation more challenging.
The incident has caused concern among the families of the pilgrims in Tamil Nadu. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Tamil Nadu government is coordinating with officials in Nepal to support the rescue operation. The immediate priority is to locate all the pilgrims, provide them with food, water, shelter and medical help if required, and arrange for their safe return.
The incident also highlights the dangers of travelling through mountainous areas during the monsoon season. Heavy rainfall can quickly lead to flash floods and landslides, blocking roads and making travel extremely risky.
Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate the remaining pilgrims. Authorities are hoping that all those affected will be found safely and brought to a secure location as soon as possible.